Replacement argon hose with proper fitting???

[aland]

Has anyone replaced the plastic argon hose with a proper flex hose that has a fitting to screw into the argon flow meter?

Everlast ships the nipple to allow the hose to use a pipe clamp, but I would think it better to have a proper fitting that would screw into the meter, as well as the rear of the welder.

Anyone done this, and if so what did you use? I don't seem to see any replacements online. I think it's a 9/16 fitting possible, will need to measure it. I see a lot of 5/8 fittings on the hoses, maybe that is the correct one.

EDIT: it is a 9/16-18 pipe thread on the meter side.

Alan

[Grizzly1944]

Just use the clamp setup that's provided. You're not putting that much pressure through the hose.

[aland]

Just use the clamp setup that's provided. You're not putting that much pressure through the hose.

I agree with you, but the hose/clamp setup on the argon hose can't be adjusted, so I could either replace it with a pipe clamp, have those, but was thinking it makes more sense to get a real flex hose with compression fittings, that has to be better.

I guess nobody else has pondered that...'cept me...

Alan

[Rambozo]

There are some real advantages in replacing that hose with a small bore non-expanding type hose, as short as possible. http://www.netwelding.com/How_GSS_Works.htm

I make up my own as needed. Some flowmeters are NPS, NPT, BSPP, CGA, metric, etc. I've heard the new welders are all CGA-B now, but the older ones were different, usually ending with a hose barb. You can buy a hose off the shelf or make your own. Depending on what fittings you have, you may or may not be able to get one at your LWS.

The usual suspects for me are McMaster Carr, Maryland Metrics, Hoseman.

[aland]

I make up my own as needed.

Do you use a flaring tool with copper/brass pipe?

That link looks like it's for mig, but I'm guessing that applies to tig also, it seems the savings in in gas that doesn't leak out?

The usual suspects for me are McMaster Carr, Maryland Metrics, Hoseman.

I was just looking in the manual, but don't see it. I would go look at the machine, but it's frickin' cold and I'm heading to bed...later...will revisit this tomorrow, maybe my LWS can help out.

Thanks for the info.

Alan

[Grizzly1944]

i do run netwelding GSS's on my welders. The first thing I noticed is that the initial gas blast that can increase turbulence is almost gone. The other is that the restriction of gas flow is a gas saver. I do agree with Rambozo that several new welders are coming out with "b" fittings on their gas inlets.

[Rambozo]

If it's an off the shelf fitting, I usually just buy it from the places mentioned. If it is an oddball, or I want it right now, I just make it. The John Guest or push to connect type fittings with Nylon or poly tubing are a pretty easy solution. 1/8" will do the job for short runs.

The gas savings are by losing that huge initial blast when the solenoid opens. You wouldn't think that amounts to much, but you'd be surprised. Especially with fabrication work where you are doing a lot of tacking.